To direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to issue guidance for private entities on demonstrating how biobased products meet Department of Defense requirements, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5191
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-23T19:29:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to promote the use of biobased products (items made using living organisms to change materials, like biofuels or bioplastics) in Department of Defense (DoD) procurement by providing clear guidance to private companies and reviewing DoD processes for potential biases against such products.
Key Provisions
- Guidance Development: Within one year of enactment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, working with the secretaries of the military departments (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force), must create and publicly release guidance. This will help private companies demonstrate that their biobased products meet DoD's performance and capability needs.
- Analysis by the Comptroller General: The Government Accountability Office (GAO, an independent agency that audits federal operations) must analyze DoD's process for setting procurement requirements to check if it intentionally or unintentionally excludes biobased products.
- GAO Report: Within one year of enactment, the GAO must submit a report to the congressional defense committees (key House and Senate panels overseeing defense matters) detailing its findings. If exclusions are found, the report must include GAO recommendations to address them.
- Definition: A "biobased product" is defined as any item manufactured, produced, or developed by using living organisms to modify living or non-living materials.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new procedural requirements rather than amending specific statutes. It mandates the creation of guidance and a GAO review, which could lead to adjustments in DoD's procurement practices under existing laws like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (rules governing government purchases). No direct repeals or overhauls of prior laws are specified.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD will need to coordinate internally and publish new guidance, potentially streamlining procurement while increasing focus on sustainable options. The GAO will face additional analytical workload but could influence broader federal sustainability efforts.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Private companies producing biobased products may find it easier to compete for DoD contracts, boosting innovation in green technologies and creating jobs in the bioeconomy. Everyday citizens could indirectly benefit from more environmentally friendly military supplies.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though increased U.S. adoption of biobased products could enhance America's leadership in global sustainability standards, potentially affecting trade in bio-materials with allies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Private Entities: Companies developing or selling biobased products, who gain tools to prove product suitability for DoD use.
- Department of Defense: Including the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering and military department secretaries, responsible for implementing the guidance.
- Government Accountability Office (GAO): Tasked with conducting the analysis and reporting findings.
- Congressional Defense Committees: Recipients of the GAO report, influencing future oversight and funding decisions.
- Broader Bioeconomy Sector: Farmers, researchers, and manufacturers involved in biobased materials, who may see expanded market opportunities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing federal preferences for sustainable procurement (e.g., under the Farm Bill's biobased programs) without creating new enforcement mechanisms. The GAO's role aligns with its statutory auditing authority under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it operates within Congress's spending and oversight powers over the military (Article I, Section 8).
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of national security through innovation and environmental stewardship, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels in defense. It may encourage similar policies in other federal agencies but could face scrutiny over added bureaucracy in procurement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to issue guidance for private entities on demonstrating how biobased products meet Department of Defense requirements, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (3 pages)